let's talk about qb's...........civilized please.........

this is a discussion within the Saints Community Forum; Goos topic ssmitty. Here are my thoughts:
1. AB
In all honesty, I would not be the least bit surprised if AB finally had the breakout year that we've all been hoping for. We're deep and talented across the o-line, ...

1. AB
In all honesty, I would not be the least bit surprised if AB finally had the breakout year that we've all been hoping for. We're deep and talented across the o-line, at RB, and at WR, and there is good competition at TE. Plus, the playbook is being simplified. I can imagine, even with the focus on running, a year where AB sees almost 4,000 yards, 27 TDs, 15 INTs, a 62% completion percentage, and a QB rating of 95 or 100.

On the flip side, I would not be the least bit surprised to see exactly what we've seen for the last 4 years. The issue for the Saints may be this - what if AB improves, but not a lot. What if his completion percentage is 59% or 60%? What if his QB rating is 89 or 91 maybe. What if his overall stats get slightly better but he remains inconsistent? Then you're faced with a QB who has had his best season (and a good one by NFL standards), but who is still inconsistent, who hasn't seemed to break out, and who costs a ton. Further, you've got youth (or poo in Bouman's case) behind him, so making a change is risky. Further - what if the team wins with AB at the helm? What if they're 10-6 and make the playoffs. Do you make a change at the most important position on the field?

2. Backups
Haslett has been in don't rock the boat mode for the last two offseasons, it seems. Given A-Mac's and Kingsbury's youth and inexperience, I doubt Bouman is going anywhere any time soon. He will be the #2 heading into the season. A-Mac - the clear talent leader will be 3 and KK ends up on the practice squad again.

3. Injury
If AB gets hurt, I think we are unfortunately screwed. I think in that case, Bouman gets the nod. He plays 3 games, we lose all 3, and he has an average QB rating around 60. A-Mac then gets a chance. My guess is that his play would be something like what AB's was in 2000 when he filled in for Blake. Raw but talented - not particularly great, but he'll make up for mistakes by making plays with his athleticism when plays break down and it's a fire drill. The big difference: there were no expectations when Brooks filled in in 2000 - we all thought we were screwed. If A-Mac had to step up, much more would be expected of him.

4. Next Season
I think next year depends a lot on what the team does. If the team doesn't make the playoffs, I think Haslett's job is really in jeopardy, and a new coach means A-Mac + a veteran FA as a stop-gap. If the Saints are competitive, Haslett gets an extension and Brooks signs a new contract also which reduces his 2006 cap number but probably pays him $50 million for 7 years. I just have a hard time believing that Brooks will go anywhere while Haslett is still the coach, absent an injury or major melt down. Maybe if AB gets hurt early this season, and A-Mac fills in and plays well, then maybe there would be a real QB battle next offseason, assuming Haslett/Brooks are still around.

1) Brooks will put up top 10 QB stats, however his succesful plays will only come about in 1/4 of the snaps. People will call for his head as he continues to look rediculous on the field while he puts up amazing stats. Brooks may be gone after this season.

2) Bouman IS waisting money and if Brooks goes down during the season Bouman will not remain the starter for long. We'll focus our attention to the younger guys. Bouman will be gone after this year.

3) One of the other QBs will finish this year in the Back-Up spot behind Brooks. If Brooks parts with the Saints after this season, one of these guys will be our new starter unless we pick up a decent veteran.

And this is the problem for many Saints' fans. He can put up top 10 numbers and perform like an undisciplined street quarterback. Many people will argue that he HURTS the team just as much as he actually helps them. So, top 10 numbers are great when he's on, but when he's off its Bad News Brooks.